Interest in male chastity is rising ahead of Locktober, the annual month-long chastity challenge that involves men locking their penises in chastity cages and handing the key to a dominant partner.
What is Locktober?
Locktober is a portmanteau referring to the annual month-long male chastity challenge. It involves men locking up their penises in chastity cages and giving the key to their dominant partner, so they are completely at their partner's mercy.
The trend became big on Twitter around 2010, when the hashtag took off, led by key chastity wearers of the time. A sex toy company then used the term for marketing, and it has been a mainstay in fetish communities ever since.
Interest in chastity triples
Interest in chastity has tripled since the beginning of the decade, with searches up 38% over the past two years alone, according to porn site Clips4Sale. During October, when Locktober occurs, searches for chastity content surge by 40%, with Brits, Americans and Spaniards consuming this porn the most. In Nebraska, chastity is the number one search in the state.
The dedicated Locktober SubReddit sees 10,000 weekly visitors, with men posting images of their penises in chastity cages while their female partner dangles the key in front of them.
Why people take part
Sex expert Ness Cooper told Metro: "Some people may take part in Locktober to explore abstinence, but others may be exploring orgasm denial."
Cooper added: "It can be a way of exploring power dynamics within a kink or BDSM relationship. Some perform Locktober to prove their devotion to their Dom or Domme."
She said: "Often it's a submissive wearer with a Domme overseeing the chastity, but sometimes it can be used in other kink dynamics, such as brat and Dom, where the brat is placed into the device so they can fight against conflicting urges and purposely play-up as a form of psychological or erotic play."
Cooper also noted: "Other Doms place their subs in chastity as a form of erotic humiliation."
She added that some people use a dedicated chastity postal service where the key is sent to a stranger and the only interaction they have is weekly instructions on removal or tasks they need to perform while wearing a chastity device. Edging or gooning can be part of the process too, as some men look to explore the concept of controlling their orgasms.
The appeal of restraint
Psychosexual therapist Becky Crepsley-Fox told Metro: "Participants aren't taking a break from their sexuality. They're eroticising the restraint itself."
She said: "For some people being controlled, and told when you can and can't do something, can be intensely arousing. Anticipation builds, and desire that can't be acted on often feels bigger and more charged. Wearing the device is a constant physical reminder of the dynamic."
Crepsley-Fox added: "For some, it's also about surrender. Handing over control of something as personal as your orgasm can feel freeing, and intimate."
The trend is commonly practised by heterosexual cis men, known as the wearers, while a partner gets satisfaction from holding the key and being in control.
Risks and safety
Cooper explained: "Chastity devices can rub and this can lead to infections, sweat rashes, as well sores. Often things like Sudocrem can help make wearing the devices more comfortable."
She said: "Foreskins can also become stuck in some cases, but lubricant can help reduce this – although it's best to remove the device if this happens. If you experience swelling you should instantly remove the device to avoid permanent damage."
Crepsley-Fox advised: "First, decide whether you're doing this solo or with a partner. Then talk it through properly. How long will the device be worn, and will it be all the time or only during sex? Is orgasm allowed at all, and if so, when? What's your safe word, and what's your aftercare plan?"
She suggested picking a chastity device carefully, noting: "Some enclose the penis and testicles, and others restrict just the penis. They come in different sizes. If you're new, go for a roomier fit. If you're experienced and enjoy the pressure, you might try smaller."
Newcomers are advised to build up slowly, wearing the device for a few hours before attempting Locktober, trying it during play rather than for the whole month, and avoiding overnight wear at first to give the body time to adjust. Crepsley-Fox also advised always keeping a spare key or emergency release within reach.
